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Boaz is a relative of Naomi’s husband, and thus has some duty toward her, but not Ruth. Also, his treatment of Ruth in particular is extremely kind. He goes out of his way to make sure that Ruth and Naomi are provided for.

Ruth no longer referred to as “the Moabite,” but instead as “Naomi’s daughter-in-law.”

Cultural things to note

These two widows, one of whom was foreign, would have no chance for security outside of the protection of a man. Gaining a husband was the only chance for long-term security. However, Ruth getting married would not have inevitably led to Naomi’s care

Allowing the poor to glean from the leftover of the grains was a Levitical law.

Term “Redeemer” is used to designate Boaz as a relative of Naomi, who would be at least partially responsible for her care. He has legal right to redeem land that would have been her husband’s for the sake of caring for her.

Redeemer of the land and Redeemer as one who marries Ruth are not necessarily tied together.

Katharine Doob Sakenfeld makes the argument that Ruth’s use of word go-el, which can be described as next-of-kin, or redeemer is not a legal term, and cannot be traced directly back to Levitical interpretation. Instead, it appeals to the “central motif of the story as a whole, namely, human protection and support as a manifestation of God’s redemptive care.” (Interpretation: Ruth, p. 61) In other words, caring for one another is the way that we love God. God’s salvation happens through the kindness, generosity, and love of humans toward one another.

“Feet” may not have been feet. A sexual relationship between Ruth and Boaz, while not explicitly mentioned until after they are married, is at least implied.

Women would not have been allowed on threshing floor. Ruth’s actions are quite bold.

What did we miss by lectionary editing?

Ruth’s own initiative.

In lectionary reading Ruth is reduced to little more than a body following orders. She follows Naomi’s orders, then marries Boaz, gets pregnant, and lives happily ever after.

Ruth does not do exactly what Naomi says. She does not simply sit by his feet and wait for his response. Instead, she takes initiative and calls upon Boaz to act.

Boaz’s response

He refers to Ruth as eset chayil, same term as found in Proverbs 31. Rachel Held Evans has translated this famously as “Woman of Valor.” He remarks on her courage, and her place even though she is a poor, foreign, widow.

Community’s response

After this exchange, Boaz goes to make the transaction, the whole process is witnessed and blessed by the community.

Doob-Sakenfeld refers to this is the “Peaceable Community.”

“A foretaste of God's promised future, of the peaceable kingdom in the microcosmic form of a single village as a peaceable community, includes features and comes about by processes that many readers in today’s communities of faith find objectionable.” (p. 67)

Sermon Thoughts and Questions

The story of Ruth is confined in ancient culture. In one way, Naomi and Ruth are victims of a patriarchal system that reduces them to their beauty and wombs. They are victim of circumstances, and not allowed to take control of their own lives. Even their reward is only in who Ruth births. This is all true, but within the confines of the culture at the time, they are remarkable women who take initiative, risk, and care for one another. They become an intertwined inseparable pair, and they are given new life and security. They are richly blessed, and Ruth becomes the grandmother to the greatest King of Israel.

Depending on context, much can be done with the sexuality of Ruth. Did she use sex for her gain? Did she have sex with Boaz before they were married? Is there room in the church to explore the sexuality of women in a positive light? She is not the evil seductress, she is the Proverbs 31 Woman - but she used sex to achieve her goal of security. Interesting dynamic, to say the least.

Tasty Wafer of the Week:

Word And World, September 2013 features an article outlining a sermon series on Ruth. Features articles from many known people from Working Preacher - Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, Karoline Lewis, etc. (You may need a password to access it)

CLOSINGThank you listeners and Shout-Outs: Diana Tyler - I’ve caught several of your shows since Lion & Lamb, and I just want to say how much I appreciate the fun and lightheartedness that all three of you (Rob, Eric and Richard) bring to scripture examination. I learn a lot, and I laugh a lot, too. (FWIW, I’m in the “Bible Geeks” category…. J )Have a God week, y’all.Erin Michelle Simmons: On Facebook shared the Walter Brueggemann interview: “Listening to this at work today! Really enjoying getting into this podcast series.”Five Star iTunes Review: PastorMoira: “A wonderful commentary each week, stretching my brain with many new ways of thinking about the Scriptures and ministry. Thanks for your work, your conversation, and the way you engage each other, and the way you disagree with each other (an excellent model for our lives together).”

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